Here’s What You Missed at Print+Promo’s First Distributor Connect of 2019

Distributor Connect attendees enjoyed a Welcome Reception at Solé Miami.

Print+Promo, the Philadelphia-based leading source of business strategies for distributor sales professionals, recently kicked off its sixth year of Distributor Connect meetings in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For this event, which ran May 15 through 17, attendees traveled to the beautiful Solé Miami, where they were treated to scenic ocean views and, more importantly, ample business opportunities.

“These events continue to be sold out,” noted Jim Harvie, publisher of Print+Promo. “The reason is because the suppliers who support our events get the return on investment they are looking for, and a return they just can’t get from a typical trade show.”

Distributor Connect events are a series of one-on-one, 20-minute meetings designed to build relationships between suppliers and distributors, with a host of additional networking events mixed in. A Welcome Reception overlooking the beach, catered breakfasts and lunch, and a private offsite dinner at GG’s Waterfront Bar & Grill, are just a few examples of what our Florida guests experienced.

Unlike your typical large trade show, where face time with suppliers is nearly impossible to get, Distributor Connect provides an intimate setting where industry peers can make new connections and solve common pain points. Suppliers already have information about distributors, their company and challenges ahead of time, enabling them to speak intelligently with potential partners about innovative ideas.

“Our format lends itself to networking and doing ‘real’ business,” Harvie continued. “That is why the distributors we invite come away with new vendors that not only offer new and cost-saving opportunities, but save them time and make distributors more on the back end—it’s a win-win for both parties. This is what makes Distributor Connect the great event it is. It really makes my job rewarding.”

But, don’t just take our word for it. Kim Mesplay, forms and labels sales representative, for Ward/Kraft, Fort Scott, Kan., has been in the print game for three decades, so she knows a thing or two about industry events.

“I have been in the printing industry for 30 years attending all kinds of shows and nothing compares to [Distributor Connect],” she enthused. “There is nothing I would have changed. You treated us like royalty, and it was awesome. I had great meetings and would suggest this show to anyone and everyone.”

Fun times during our private offsite dinner at GG’s Waterfront Bar & Grill.

Those 2.5 days out of the office were also well spent for veteran distributors like Greg Gill, CEO and president of thumbprint, Apopka, Fla.

“Kudo’s to Print+Promo for hosting an amazing supplier/distributor event,” he said. “As an industry veteran, I am always astonished by how many new ideas and partner relationships are ignited by this event. My sales staff will always be grateful to be a small part of this profitable venue.”

David Beck, president of New York-based Classic Business Solutions, echoed these sentiments.

“[Distributor Connect] was excellent and extremely well-organized,” he said. “I really enjoyed meeting new suppliers and my peers, along with everyone at [Print+Promo].”

Want to join us for a future Distributor Connect? You’ll have to act fast because we have only one meeting still open to distributors.

• Nov. 4-6, 2019 – San Diego

If you are interested in attending an upcoming Distributor Connect, contact Mike Cooper via email at distributorconnect@napco.com, or call Cooper at (215) 238-5434. Complete the Distributor Connect inquiry questionnaire located here. For event information and testimonials, visit connect.goprintandpromo.com.

Print+Promo is also accepting contracts for this event from new suppliers. Don’t wait—only a few spaces remain. To learn more, contact Jim Harvie at jharvie@napco.com or (215) 238-5436.